Password Protection Act Bars Employers From Demanding Login Info

What kind of experience do you have in the field? Who are your references? What's your Facebook password?

If the Password Protection Act becomes law, it would make it a crime for employers to ask that third question.

The PPA was introduced in the House of Representatives Wednesday by Reps. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). It would make it illegal for employers demand current or prospective employees hand over access to their social media accounts.

"People have an expectation of privacy when using social media like Facebook and Twitter. They have an expectation that their right to free speech and religion will be respected when they use social media outlets," said Perlmutter in a statement on the bill.

"Without this protection, employers essentially can act as imposters and assume the identity of an employee and continually access, monitor and even manipulate an employee's personal social activities and opinions."

Several other lawmakers at the national level and multiple states have passed have introduced similar legislation following an Associated Press story exposed the practice last year. The AP story shocked readers, but it's not clear how often employers were actually requesting employees give them access to their Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest accounts.

Has your employer asked for your social media or email login? Should there be a law against the practice? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Source : mashable